Along with its amazing cast performances, deep thematic exploration, and breathtaking production value, Succession has been acclaimed for its witty, original dialogue. Here is a selection of some of the writers’ best lines.
10 “You can’t make a Tomlette without breaking some Greggs.”
The entire hot mess of a testimony Shiv’s husband, Tom, gives before the U.S. Senate regarding misconduct at Waystar is comedy gold but Tom’s email title to subordinate and Logan’s great nephew, Greg, has a particular shine to it. The line is made even funnier when followed by the knowledge that it was sent 67 times in one day.
However, despite the humor in the whimsical wordplay, this moment further illustrates the lightheartedly veiled harassment Tom subjects those under him to, making the quote simultaneously hilarious and poignant.
9 “Do you think it’s possible to sue a person, a grandparent for example [..], in an affectionate way? That might convey, like, “I love you and, I’m glad you’re a part of my life but I am taking legal action against you?”
A perfect portrayal of how family bonds are mutilated when they battle with financial interests and personal vendettas. The absurd and contradictory nature of this line succinctly captures the essence of Succession, a show about family members stepping over each other in order to end up at the top.
In this scene, Greg debates suing his grandfather, Ewan, who has ripped away his inheritance and donated it to Greenpeace after Greg aligns himself with Waystar and Logan, both of which Ewan despises. Ironically, although Ewan detests Logan for being what he considers morally corrupt, he has little issue with cutting off his grandson for not falling in line, adding another layer of toxicity to this not-so-nuclear family.
8 “Connor Roy was interested in politics at a very young age.”
This line is a fan favorite and littered through just about every online platform discussing Succession. And for good reason, beyond being funny, it encapsulates the absurdity of not only Connor as a character in all his wacky, reality-avoidant glory but also the real-life tendency of public figures to dodge and grandstand in the face of pertinent questions that demand unflattering answers.
The repetition of the line and its delivery at a family friend’s funeral is just the cherry on top of the satirical sundae.
7 “Look full disclosure, I am-uh- currently having a panic attack.”
Delivered in a calm, monotone tone by Waystar’s CFO, Karl, this abrupt confession is hilarious. Although Karl, Roman, and Waystar banker, Laird, are in an incredibly nerve-racking situation, having been taken hostage in a hotel by a Turkish militia, the trio had been attempting to ease the tension by playing a few rounds of “Bang, Marry, Kill” with Waystar’s executive employees as prospects.
However, the momentarily cheery atmosphere is crushed by a stoic Karl’s announcement. Though a little lightheartedness is injected into the moment by Roman commenting that Karl still seems exactly the same.
6 “I wonder if the sad I’d be without you would be less than the sad I get from being with you.”
Even outside of the context of Succession’s story, this quote hits hard for anyone who’s been in a toxic relationship. Tom finally confronts Shiv for pressuring him into an open relationship on the night of their marriage that he has constantly demonstrated discomfort with and admits he’s unhappy a majority of their time together.
This scene marks the beginning of Tom’s dissent from Shiv but it also offers viewers a glimpse of Shiv’s somewhat softer side, being followed by Shiv begging her father not to throw Tom under the bus for Waystar’s misconduct coverup.
5 “I’m the eldest son. And I must be considered, and I need to be taken into account.”
As the far less driven and cunning of his siblings (but also the least ruthless), Logan’s oldest child, Connor is often left on the sidelines and disregarded by his family. Connor decides enough is enough when his siblings are so dismissive of him, that Kendall (Logan’s second child) refers to himself as “the eldest son”.
There’s certainly humor in this line as Connor has to repeatedly remind his family of a simple but there’s also the satisfaction of seeing the often brushed-off eldest son assert himself and call out his younger siblings for being self-absorbed brats.
4 “It’s fuckin’ lonely. I’m all apart.”
Unlike the majority of Succession’s dialogue, Kendall’s confession to Roman and Shiv contains no mirth. It highlights the shattered and closed-off state Kendall has been treading in ever since the first season’s deadly finale. At the same time, this is one of the few heartwarming scenes of the show with the trio interacting like a genuine family.
By admitting his responsibility for the death of a young man, Kendall, along with his younger siblings, begin taking the last steps necessary to completely break away from their father’s hold and take over control of Waystar.
3 “Someone could fit through that window. A small person. An attack child.”
Greg’s astute (and absurdly funny) observation, as he points out to a steadily unraveling Tom that the “panic room” they’ve taken refuge in after a gunshot is heard in the building is just an unused office space rather than a properly designed secure area.
Not only does this information further unnerve Tom who is already concerned that the potential gunman has their eye on him, but it reaffirms his insecurity that Shiv and Logan (who are tucked away in the actual panic room) see him as below them, and therefore expendable.
2 “Maybe I don’t want to donate my body to political science.”
One of the few moments that Willa, Connor’s much younger fiancee, gets to shine with a witty shut down in response to Conner pressuring her to entertain the advances of a potential donor for his presidential campaign.
Although a humorous zing, the line echoes the quid pro quo realities of the business and political world. It also hints to the viewer that despite Connor’s deep affection for Willa, her past as an escort is still fresh in his mind and may reemergence as an issue in their already flimsy relationship.
1 “What am I gonna do with a soul anyways? Souls are boring. Boo souls.”
While fans of the relationship (whether platonic or romantic) between Tom and Greg were thrilled to see the pair become partners in crime, Greg’s deal with the devil (aka Tom) marks his official descent into the dark side.
Starting the series as the most naive and conscientious of the main cast, he closes the third season by taking a page out of Roy’s family handbook and deciding to do whatever it takes to heave himself into the “bottom of the top”. Despite being delivered with a smile on his face and a goofy tone, Greg’s words make it clear that he knows what he’s sacrificing for his ambition.
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